In her book, "Story of a Soul", Saint Therese embraces a fresh servant leadership approach known as “The Little Way”. She encourages us to follow the lead and needs of others while acknowledging, recognizing, and promoting their efforts. Saying, "rather than aspiring to doing great deeds, do many small deeds with great love." I hope this blog inspires others in the same way St. Therese and others have inspired me.

Tag Archives: Epistles

Do you ever feel as though your Christian faith is stagnating, that your life is slowly withering at a time when you want to flourish and stand out to be of service to Jesus Christ as the world grows increasing chaotic around you? I know I do… especially nowadays when I see how crazy this world has become. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians — the thirteenth book of the New Testament — is the perfect remedy when experiencing these thoughts and feelings.

Written in Corinth around 52 AD during his second missionary journey, 1 Thessalonians is Paul’s response to Timothy’s report on the state of the church in Thessalonica a short time after he had preached there. Clearly impressed by their faithfulness, Paul began his letter by praising the Church for their steadfastness and for serving as a role model for other churches to follow in times of uncertainly. Increasingly concerned that his beloved community was being exposed to errant teachings by their neighbors who opposed the Way of Jesus Christ and the Grace of God, Paul’s letter served as a source of inspiration to this young community of believers. Challenging them to grow deeper in their faith at a time when they were being bombarded with questions and accusations, he encouraged them to stand strong in their commitment to Jesus Church and to respond to opposition with love, grace, and generosity rather than fear. Offering hope and comfort in the midst of persecution, he asked them to focus their attention on the second coming of Jesus Christ rather than on the hostility that surrounded them and to respond with a kind of love that is powered by God’s Spirit.

At a time when civil unrest and uncertainty are growing, the Way offers a narrow path that few follow. It is a way of life motivated by hope rather than by fear; a way of life focused on the spiritual and on eternity rather than on the secular world’s temporary present day. Most of all, it is a way of life inspired by Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and upcoming return. Through Paul’s letter to the church of Thessalonica, we are given an extraordinary gift… a timeless window through which we can see, learn from, and emulate a community of believers who embody holiness, love, and hope. Emulating the community of believers at Thessalonica who remained strong, grounded by faith and a commitment to Jesus Christ, we too can flourish in times of uncertainty.

Like this:

The last of four Prison Epistles, Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians as he anticipated his release from prison (AD 61 or 62). Epaphroditus, who had visited Paul in Rome (Philippians 2:25; 4:18), was to deliver the letter to the Philippians. Unfortunately, Epaphroditus took ill during his stay in Rome, delaying his return home and delivery of the letter (Philippians 2:26–27). As a result, this letter was not delivered at the same time as the other three prison letters.

While Paul’s letters to the Galatians and to the Colossians addressed issues they were struggling with, he wrote to the Philippians to express his appreciation and affection for these believers. More than any other church, Apostle Paul felt a very deep connection with the Philippians, with his affection clearly evident throughout the letter.

In this letter, Paul confirms the faith of this community, encouraging them to continue to be a living example of Christ; cautioning them against Judaizing teachers; and expressing gratitude for their Christian bounty. This letter specifically portrays Jesus Christ as a humble servant (Philippians 2:5–11), teaching this community that believers can only live in harmony by modeling the humility of Jesus Christ with one another. Offering his own life to Christ as an example, Paul expressed that he had found great joy and contentment in serving Christ in the wake of suffering. By centering their lives on Christ rather than on their struggles, Paul said that they, too, would experience true joy in their life.

This loving message, while written to the Phillipians, is intended for all believers ….today and back then. Like many, I often get caught up in the daily pace and pressures of life and find myself overlooking the many blessings God has provided me. I have a loving husband, a beautiful home, meaningful work, and a bounty of love from family and friends. Yet at times desperate to find that ever elusive joy, I seek solace in other people, other places, and at times in material possessions only to discover that none of these provide lasting joy. Taking a closer look at my life, I realize I need to shift my focus. By dwelling on life’s challenges rather than on my blessings, I am allowing those challenges steal the very joy I seek. Upon shifting my focus, I discover joy all around me in the form of God’s many blessings.

Both Apostle Paul and the Philippians knew this, saying that true joy only comes through humble faith in Jesus Christ; in fellowship with other believers; and in serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. It was a life Philippian believers came to know and is a life that remains available to all of us today.

This letter consists of four chapters:

Chapter 1, Paul offers up thanksgiving and prayers for the good work of grace in the Philippians; expresses his affection and prayers for them; and fortifies them against being cast down at his sufferings. Encouraging them to stay strong in spite of the suffering they may face, Paul expressed that he offered his life to Christ and stood prepared to glorify Christ whether with his life or his death. He begins this loving letter encouraging the Philippians to continue to profess and spread the gospel .

Chapter 2, Paul cites the benefits of believers who share the “mind of Christ”, modeling his kindness and humility of spirit and behavior. Teaching this community about the humanity of Jesus Christ. Paul cites that He laid down His glory and became a perfect human man in order to rescue and restore mankind back to a relationship with God. Paul exhorts Philippians to be living examples of Christ to the world and concludes this chapter by citing the purpose for his visit to Philippi.

Chapter 3, Paul cautions the Philippians against false teachers. Renouncing his own past , Paul expresses the great joy he has found in offering up his life to Christ. He encourages the church to press forward with the spreading the Gospel, citing himself as an example to other believers.

Chapter 4, Paul again exhorts Philippians to stand fast and to rejoice in the Lord. Instructing believers the importance of being well-grounded in prayer and thanksgiving, Paul offers praise and thanksgiving to God thanks for the many provisions they are blessed with, “my God shall supply all your needs.”

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Saint Therese de Lisieux

St. Therese

Servant Leadership

In her book, "Story of a Soul", Saint Therese de Lisieux embraces a fresh leadership approach. Known as “The Little Way”, she encourages us to follow the lead and needs of others while acknowledging, recognizing, and promoting their efforts. Saying, "rather than aspiring to doing great deeds" she asks us to "do many small deeds with great love." With this philosophy in mind, I created this blog to inspire others in the same way as others have inspired me.

About St. Therese

For generations, many have admired this young saint known as the "Little Flower", finding more inspiration in her short life than in their own lives. Yet Therese died when she was only 24, after having lived as a cloistered Carmelite for less than ten years. She never went on missions, never founded a religious order, never performed great works. The only book of hers, published after her death, was a brief edited version of her journal called "Story of a Soul." Yet within 28 years of her death, the public demand was so great she was canonized. Over the years, some modern Catholics have turned away from her because they view her message as being too simple and child-like. Yet as simple as her message may be, it remains as compelling to us now as it was almost a century ago.